Ezekiel 9:5-7

I beseech the Reader to remark with me, the order which the Lord hath here observed, in his visitations. He first secures his people, before he executes judgment on the ungodly. He first marks, and gathers his sheep into his fold; and then the wicked, as goats, are driven from his presence, with everlasting destruction. So the Lord Jesus hath himself pointed out, the order of his judicial proceedings, at the last day. See Matthew 25:31. There is another observation to be made in these verses, and it is a very solemn one, namely, the universal destruction of the ungodly: neither age, sex, nor condition, admits of exception. None can be saved, but those on whom is the mark. Reader! think how important it must be, to be found in Jesus! Think how tremendously awful to be found not in him! And observe yet further, the destroying angels, are to execute their high commission, in all the severity of it, without feeling pity or compassion. Yes! most certain it is, that to their intelligent minds, there can be no object to excite regard, but such as love the Lord. Those who admire the souls which bear the mark and image of Jesus, will abhor those who bear the image of the beast. Revelation 19:19. And what an awful idea is it, that the beginning of this destruction of the wicked, is at the sanctuary: plainly showing, that there will be many found among this number, at the last day, who minister in holy things with unregenerated hearts. So the Lord Jesus hath taught his disciples to expect. Many will say to me (saith Jesus) in that day, Lord! Lord! have we not prophesied (that is, preached, or administered ordinances) in thy name: and in thy name have cast out devils; that is, probably have been made useful to the Lord's people, in helping them by the administration of his word, who never partook of it themselves. (For rather than the Lord's heritage shall go hungry, Jesus will feed them from their enemies table.) Wonderful works, these are, no doubt. But yet in common life, the same is found. Bad men may be appointed, thus to act for the good of others, and like the directing post to the traveler, guide to the right way, who never move a step towards it themselves. Think Reader! however; how very awful is such a situation! Matthew 7:22.